Rivers

Waterfronts’ Landlords Declare Support For Amaechi

Published

17 years ago

August 28, 2009

Landlords from Afikpo, Ojike, Urualla, Elechi Beach and Abba waterfronts communities in Port Harcourt have pledged their support to Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his government’s decision to demolish shanty waterfronts in Port Harcourt and subsequently redevelop them into world class surburbs.

In a recent letter, the landlords pledged their commitment to the Governor and exonerated themselves from the suit filed by some chiefs and indigenes seeking to restrain the State Government from carrying on with the planned demolition of waterfronts in Port Harcourt.

To further buttress their support to the Governor’s initiative, the landlords had gone to the Port Harcourt High Court to swear to an affidavit that they were fully in support of the Governor’s plan to rid Port Harcourt of shanties and slums and exonerated themselves from suit filed against the Rivers State Government on waterfronts development.

The landlords include Tubotamuno Awoh Tariah, Otuka Georgewill, Victoria Douglas, and Benjamin Coterell for Afikpo waterfront; Dimabo Pankin Braide, Chief Owuso Amachree, Ijeoma Chuwena and Henry T. Harry for Akwuzu waterfront; Ibiba Gillis, Tubobelem Briggs, Christian Cottrell, Eneah Fred and Opirite N. G. Batubo for Ojike waterfront.

Others include, Deacon Okorinama Jack, Ejoor Otokito, ThankGod Osoma and Ronami Sylvanus Tebeda for Urualla waterfront; Tekena Batubo and Banigo Otonye for Elechi Beach waterfront; and Obene Iderima, Hon. Charles Micky for Abba waterfront amongst others.

In the affidavit, the Landlords stated that it was their collective decision to support any development that government want to embark upon for the interest of the people.

They declared in the affidavit thus: “we are individual landlords that owns buildings in different waterfronts in Diobu which is marked for demolition by the Rivers State government; we are not against the State Government in executing their proposed demolition and payment of compensation to owners of affected properties; we are not part of any suit field against the government in any High Court or Customary Court as aborigines; that the government should treat our matter fairly with dispatch with the urgency needed in developing the areas.”

The landlords also stated that they had accepted the government’s offer of compensation and guaranteed a peaceful enumeration and evaluation exercise at these waterfronts.

Commenting on the development, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Amaechi on Media and Publicity, Mr. David Iyofor commended the landlords for their support and praised them for backing the governor’s decision to redevelop Port Harcourt waterfronts.

Rivers

100 Days: UPTH CMD Harps On Brain Drain, Anti-Corruption

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Godswill Orluwene, has identified brain drain and corruption as critical challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.

Orluwene, who made this known during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, in Choba, declared that his administration is tackling both issues headlong as part of efforts to reposition the institution.

He noted that the stewardship session was aimed at rendering account of his leadership and setting a transparent benchmark for performance going forward.

“This 100 days is to render stewardship and give account of our activities, while we tackle corruption headlong within the system”, he said.

Addressing concerns over the exodus of medical professionals, the CMD said, poor working conditions have contributed significantly to brain drain, but that ongoing reforms are beginning to address these challenges.

He expressed optimism in the efforts of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that, Government is repositioning the health sector, especially in remuneration and infrastructure.

On corruption, Prof. Orluwene stressed, “We have taken decisive steps to block all financial leakages and ensure accountability in our operations.”

He disclosed that a staff verification exercise exposed irregularities, stating that “Out of over 4,000 staff on the payroll, only about 2,000 presented themselves for verification.

“As a result, over 1,000 salaries have been stopped due to discrepancies identified during the exercise.”

Highlighting policy reforms, the CMD said, feeding of patients has now been standardized at ?5,000 for three meals, while other charges have been reviewed downward.

On infrastructure, he said “The Accident and Emergency Department was in a poor state before, but today it has undergone massive renovation.”

Speaking on power supply, he revealed: “With the solar power project on ground, UPTH will soon enjoy 24-hour electricity supply. Our goal is to make UPTH a hub for medical tourism in the near future.”

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Social Welfare Ministry Accepts UNIPORT’s Training, Vulnerable Database Proposal

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has revealed that it will consider new proposals by the University of Port Harcourt to engage its staff on refresher training and a state-wide database initiative for vulnerable persons, to ensure efficient service delivery and data-driven planning in the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, disclosed this when she received a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by a Professor of Social Work and Community Development, Prof. Daniel Uranta, which also include some of his PhD students, during a courtesy visit to her office, Friday.

She described the visit as “timely to get our staff up to speed regarding current standards in social work practice”, and assured the visiting team that their proposals, including a one-month certificate programme for staff and a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee, would be reviewed.

She added that the ministry’s doors are open for collaboration and partnership, noting that with collaborative effort, social work will achieve greater impact and professionalism in the state.

Earlier, Prof. Uranta said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek collaboration to strengthen the existing partnership between the university and the ministry.

He proposed four key areas of cooperation: refresher training for ministry staff, a one-month certificate programme on social work for staff, development of a state-wide database for vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, and strengthening of a Child Rights Implementation/Enforcement Committee.

The UNIPORT Professor noted that the proposals are aimed at improving case management and welfare response across the state.

The courtesy visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing willingness to collaborate and review the proposals.

Rivers

Ogoloma Fishermen Association Laud Okrika Chair On Grassroots Dev

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2026

The Tide

The Fishermen Association of Ogoloma Community has commended the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, for his commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of local fishermen.

The Association made the commendstion during a courtesy “thank-you” visit by members of the association to the council chairman, following the distribution of fishing equipment aimed at boosting productivity and livelihoods within the riverine community.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Tobin expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their show of appreciation, noting that their success remains a top priority of his administration.

He stated that the empowerment initiative through the provision of fishing canoes, nets, and hooks was designed to enhance economic activities and improve living standards in Ogoloma and other parts of Okrika.

“I am encouraged by your visit and your progress so far. This administration is committed to supporting our local fishermen to thrive. There will be a second phase of the human capital development programme, and we will do even more to uplift the fishing community,” the Chairman assured.

The Chairman reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, stressing that empowering local industries such as fishing is key to sustainable economic growth in the region.

Responding on behalf of the Association, its spokesperson, Elder Kaizer Kiniminabo, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the council boss.

He acknowledged the impact of the empowerment programme on the fishermen’s productivity and welfare.

“On behalf of our matron, Hon. Linda Stewart Somiari, and Hon. Royal Ateke, we express our sincere gratitude to the Executive Chairman for his magnanimity and commitment to the well-being of fishermen in Ogoloma. We pray for the continued success of his administration,” Kiniminabo stated.

As a token of appreciation, the association presented gifts, including dry fish and other locally sourced items to the chairman, symbolizing their gratitude and support.

The visit highlights the growing collaboration between local authorities and community stakeholders in fostering development and economic empowerment across Okrika Local Government Area.

By: Michael T. Abraham